Technologies developed for space applications and related to materials can often be transferred to ground sector and vice versa, ground sector technologies are also spin-in into space applications [1, 2]. There are numerous examples for such innovation transfer, from antimicrobial coatings to structural composite materials.
Within the European Space Agency (ESA), the Technology Transfer and Patent Management Office (CIP-CP) is responsible mainly for:
- managing and promoting the use of space technologies outside the space field (spin-out) and of non-space technologies in the space field (spin-in) and implementing related transfer de-risking activities with the support of innovation partners (ESA Technology Brokers) in the Participating States,
- accompanying technology development from its inception to assess and support later technology transfer and support spin-in technical assessment,
- coordinating the technical support to the Commercialization department,
- acting as the Secretariat for the Patents Group managing all aspects related to the ESA patents portfolio in accordance with the Patents Group mandate,
- promoting the utilization of ESA’s patents portfolio and increasing awareness about intellectual property in the space industry.
In this presentation further insight into the activities of the Technology Transfer and Patent Management Office will be provided, indicating also collaboration opportunities. Examples in the area of materials' development will be given.

References
[1] Activities of ESA Technology Transfer Office: https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/ESA_s_Technology_Transfer_and_Patent_Office
[2] OECD, The Space Economy in Figures: How Space Contributes to the Global Economy, OECD Publishing, Paris 2019.